Travel Industry News Page 480
Introducing the Costa del Sol’s New Icon of Avant-Garde Luxury: ME Marbella
Following a €20 million renovation, Meliá Hotels International arrives in Marbella with signature architecture, unique beach club concept and a culinary offering that captures the true essence of the Mediterranean ME by Meliá makes its debut in Andalusia with a bold reinterpretation of modern luxury
Qantas takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR
Australia's Qantas Airways is set to become the Asia-Pacific launch operator of the latest generation single aisle A321XLR following the delivery of its first aircraft from the Airbus assembly line in Finkenwerder, Hamburg. Reflecting the long range capability of the A321XLR, the aircraft is flying from the Airbus facility to Sydney with just one crew rest stop in Bangkok.
The Swim Gap
Britain is facing a swimming crisis with 9 million British adults admitting they don’t know how to swim. New research from easyJet Holidays has uncovered that half (50%) of those who didn’t learn as a child wanted to, while 42% admit to only staying in the shallow end and 33% now don’t feel confident in the water at all.
American Airlines is making travel cozier this winter
International travel on American will get an upgrade this winter with the expansion of premium Flagship Suite® seats to three continents. Select flights to London (LHR); Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE); Auckland, New Zealand (AKL); and Brisbane, Australia (BNE) will be upgraded to offer the Flagship Suite® experience on American’s newly designed Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Emirates’ customers devour 60 million luxury chocolates in the sky
Celebrating World Chocolate Day on 7 July and the current trending connection between chocolate and the city of Dubai, Emirates notes a surge in customer consumption of the decadent delight - with 60 million pieces of luxury chocolate consumed onboard by customers in all classes in one year. This represents an increase of 2 million more chocolates than the year before.
Qatar Airways Lands Again in Malta
Qatar Airways resumes operations in Malta with four non-stop flights a week between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). The latest addition to the airline’s network in Europe affirms its commitment to maintaining global connectivity.
RESTORATIVE HOSPITALITY INSPIRED BY THE RHYTHMS OF PUGLIA
Italy’s southern region of Puglia offers an idyllic escape to unwind and connect with the restorative rhythm of local wellness traditions. Offering a warm and cocooning setting, Masseria Torre Maizza provides the perfect base to explore the region through carefully curated itineraries that highlight puglia’s cultural, natural and gastronomic heritage, created exclusively for Rocco Forte Hotels guests by local tour operator Southern Visions for the 2025 season:
Radisson Hotel Group unveils the opening of Radisson Resort Ruža Vjetrova in Montenegro
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the opening of Radisson Resort Ruža Vjetrova, a premium beachfront retreat nestled on an isolated peninsula along the Adriatic coast in Dobra Voda, Montenegro. Surrounded by lush green hills and crystal-clear waters, the resort introduces a captivating blend of natural serenity, elevated comfort, and world-class service, offering guests a unique destination where the sun meets the sea.
Air Canada Enhances its Rail Connections in Germany
Air Canada recently announced an extension of its codeshare agreement with Lufthansa to include Lufthansa Express Rail services at Frankfurt Airport, operated by Deutsche Bahn. This agreement enables a seamless, intermodal itinerary booked in one reservation, offering greater flexibility, more choice, and added convenience to connect with Air Canada’s up to five-times daily flights to Frankfurt Airport. The codeshare expansion enhances Air Canada’s international rail and bus intermodal network, which includes intermodal interlining partnerships in seven European countries and South Korea.
U by Emaar Expands Internationally to Türkiye with the Addition of Address Istanbul
U by Emaar, the distinguished lifestyle loyalty programme of Emaar, proudly announces its continued international expansion with the inclusion of Address Istanbul in Türkiye. This move further strengthens the programme's global footprint, bringing its signature blend of luxurious experiences and member-exclusive benefits to one of the world's most dynamic and culturally rich cities.
JdV by Hyatt Brand Debuts in the Caribbean with Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana
Hyatt Hotels Corporation in collaboration with Grupo Martinon, have announced the opening of Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana, marking the debut of the JdV by Hyatt brand in the Caribbean. Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana joins Hyatt’s Lifestyle portfolio and invites guests to celebrate the joy of life in Punta Cana’s El Cortecito neighborhood, just steps from Los Corales Beach.
Former Shangri-La Vancouver joins Hyatt portfolio, with plans to become a Park Hyatt hotel
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans for a luxury Park Hyatt hotel in the heart of downtown Vancouver, slated for 2026. The hotel, formerly Shangri-La Vancouver, is now operating as Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni until a multi-million-dollar redesign enhances and elevates the hotel’s guestrooms, residential style lobby, public spaces and spa, and the hotel joins the Park Hyatt brand.